We know not everyone can get on their bikes each and every day. Even more--we know some of you don't want to! There are so many places our bikes can take us, and they improve our lives in sometimes inexplicable ways, but we firmly believe the secret to life is fully living, and, sometimes, that means adapting and trying something new!
That being said, we know that there are many people that would ride every day but maybe don't live in an environment where they can do that. So, we have compiled a list of things that can take up your time when you're unable to hop on the bike and twist a grip!
Mountain Biking
A close cousin (some might say) to riding a dirt bike, mountain biking is an excellent sport to partake in when you can't get seat time. Without an engine, you'll have a whole different
experience in the saddle of this machine. The stamina it takes to ride flat and incline terrain is an excellent way to improve your cardio, and the downhill sections are a good way to get used to going steep and fast.
Cycling
Cycling is a close second to mountain biking. While it may not hold your interest (because, let's face it, you like riding dirt bikes because it puts you in the middle of nowhere in the woods, right?), it is a great way to keep up your physical fitness when you don't have the time to hop on your dirt bike.
Trail Running
While running isn't everyone's favorite, trail running provides the scenery that can distract even those with the most animosity toward this exercise. With the uphills and downhills and rocks and tree roots, it's almost as if you're riding! It may be a bit harder on the joints (or...it may not be), but this can be a fun and adventurous alternative to hopping in the saddle.
Swimming
Swimming is a great way to keep up your physique and fitness, and it does so gently. Not only is this a fun summer activity, it's also a great way to keep you on-the-bike ready! With varying intensities, this sport does wonders for your upper body and it can be awesomely less strenuous on the shoulder joints.
Hiking
If trail running just isn't for you, or the constant pressure on the knees causes you to steer clear, hiking may be a good alternative. Choosing hikes that involve hills and slopes is a great way to work on stamina, and, for those of us that aren't fans of heights, hiking can be a good way to conquer that fear as we
Backpacking
Some of you might say that backpacking and hiking should be clumped together. And, while each of these do involve hiking on trails, backpacking is an entirely different story. Exhausting mentally and physically, there are very few other sports that demand the kind of planning, fitness, and mental stamina that backpacking a long (or somewhat long) trail entails. This can easily test your limits, so if you aren't an avid hiker or backpacker already, we'd suggest you start there and work your way up.
Rowing
Rowing is no joke. This Olympic sport is easily one of the most demanding sports there is--if you do it correctly, that is. Don't believe us? Take a look at Daniel James Brown's book The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (find a copy of it here) that follows a group of college boys on their journey to the 1945 Olympics in rowing. If that won't get you motivated, we aren't sure what will! It's an excellent way to gain discipline, mental durability, and physical fitness.
Paddle Boarding
While paddle boarding is seen by many as a great way to pass the time, it can also be phenomenal workout. The balance it takes to stand on the board combined with the paddling to get you where you need to be, can be extremely useful to work on your balance and stamina. The cool thing about this sport? It too can take you to some pretty cool places!
Skiing/Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding go hand and hand (and we'll include the new popular sport: split
boarding) out on the slopes, and it's no secret that it can be a demanding sport. Many skiers and snowboarders spend time hiking along the mountain, looking for
their next routes or building jumps. Not a fan of hiking in the snow? That's okay! Even the balance portion of this sport, combined with the way your muscles have to work together kinesthetically, can provide you with your needed physical exertion (not to mention adrenaline rush) when the bike isn't available to do the trick.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing can be a tedious activity, but it can lead you to some super amazing places that not many other sports can. During the winter, many places do have closures that extend to all motorized use, and snowshoeing is a great way to see what's hidden away in those tucked away places while simultaneously getting in a cardio workout!
Have you tried any of these sports? Do you think we missed another one (We're sure we did, there's plenty of them out there)? Let us know in the comments section!
On and off the bike, physical fitness is a must. Knowing that our readers are generally adrenaline junkies, we hope you take a chance to try some of these awesome sports! There are so many places to see and so much life to live. In everything you do, #ridebeyondmoto
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